Wright taking slow, steady rehab to Florida

NEW YORK -- David Wright wants to get back on the field as soon as possible, but he also knows he needs to take it slow. Wright's been on the disabled list since Aug. 3 with a strained right hamstring, but the third baseman and the Mets want to make sure he's completely healed before playing again so the injury doesn't become chronic.

The team's medical staff told Wright this is a six-week injury, though Wright said he's ahead of schedule.

"Obviously I want to finish the season, and I want to finish the season strong," Wright said. "The last thing I want to do is rush this thing back too early, hurt it again going into next season with the uncertainty of finishing a season and it become chronic."

Wright is heading down to Port St. Lucie, Fla., on Thursday to continue his rehab. He's been working out at Citi Field, fielding, hitting and running, though only at about 60 or 70 percent. Wright said he needs to build up to running at full speed, running the bases and stopping and starting.

But he said he isn't ready to play in any games.

"That's the most important thing, because I can simulate swinging and taking ground balls, but once you get in a game situation, it's a little different with starting, stopping, having to reverse directions -- things like that," Wright said. "That's what I need to get down before I get put in a game situation."

Wright also said he doesn't want to just shut it down for this year, partly because he wants to finish the season "strong and healthy" and not have his next time on the field come in Spring Training. Still, he said he'll be diligent with the recovery process.